Trainers Directory

Dr. Kang’s research focuses on the molecular pathways underlying aberrant proteinopathy and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Related Dementias (ADRDs), including Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)-Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) spectrum disorders and Lewy body disorders (LBD). 

David Kang's Biography

Our lab is interested in the underlying mechanism and identifying anticancer targets of breast cancer.

Hung-Ying Kao

The Karaayvaz Lab’s main research focus is to understand the early events in breast cancer development in high-risk patients. We employ state-of-the-art single cell and imaging approaches to dissect molecular heterogeneity in pre-malignant and malignant lesions of the breast. Our goal is to leverage the knowledge gained from these studies and develop innovative strategies for breast cancer chemoprevention and treatment.

Mihriban Karaayvaz's Biography 

Intimate partner violence is a complex problem that intersects issues from the biological level to larger societal issues intersecting individuals and families. We are interested in preventing and treating Intimate Partner Violence. Our lab aims to develop a decision-making model to improve treatment outcomes by identifying subgroups of the population who respond similarly to IPV treatments and identify which IPV treatments work best for each subgroup based on violence typology, population characteristics, and treatment options. We are also interested in understanding the interactions in which violent behaviors emerge and escalate, and how this is related to mental and physical health.

Gunnur Karakurt's Biography 

Current research interest concerns epigenetic control mechanisms that regulate HIV transcription and latency.  Understanding these mechanisms is central to current efforts to induce latent viruses as part of an HIV eradication strategy.  We have established new model systems for studying HIV latency and identified novel signaling pathways leading to proviral reactivation and silencing – key insights that support current efforts at HIV eradication and cure.  Additional projects include harnessing NK cells to eradicate the latent HIV reservoir. Another theme is studies of HIV infection and latency in microglial cells, a key factor in the development of neurocognitive defects. Finally, we have recently initiated projects on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 using a reverse genetics strategy. We are also developing new diagnostic assays for detection of intracellular SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Jonathan Karn's Biography 

My research includes immunoregulatory mechanisms of malaria and worm pathogenesis, including acquired resistance to infection and malaria biology.

James W. Kazura's Biography 

My research is in inflammatory processes in cystic fibrosis lung disease, inflammatory cell signaling mechanisms, microtubule regulation, and MIRAGE syndrome.

Thomas Kelley's Biography 

My research includes mechanisms of breast cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis, as well as mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance in cancer.

Ruth Keri's Biography

I study DNA damage repair processes and epigenetic modifications using structural biology and biophysical tools. 

Tae Hun Kim's Biography 

We study the mechanisms of acquired immunity to malaria, SARS-CoV-2 and filariasis with a focus on humoral immunity.  This work involves B cell molecular immunology and development human monoclonal antibodies as therapies.  We also develop novel tools for control and elimination of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.

Christopher L. King's Biography